Yes it is that simple. You should fire your first rigger for not tucking that cord back between the top of the pilot chute and under the hat; back through the hole from whence it came. It is the last step before sealing the rig. The cord is part of the "Quick Loop" assembly and is used to adjust the tightness of the closing loops and the ripcord pull force. You could have jumped it that way but it is always best to be sure. Additionally, the person who told you that dribble about having to open the reserve should not be counted on. They didn't know what they were talking about. It certainly is not necessary to open the reserve. If properly stowed according to the manual it won't come out. BTW: Like has been said, READ THE MANUAL. If you had read the manual you would have know this. There is a number of other items you will have missed by not reading the manual, some might save your life.